Choosing the right color for cream walls can be tricky. The shade needs to complement the creamy base while providing the desired aesthetic. When selecting a color, it’s important to consider the room’s size, lighting, furnishings, and purpose. By taking these factors into account, you can identify the ideal hue for your space.
How do you choose a color for cream walls?
Here are some tips for choosing a color for cream walls:
- Consider the room’s lighting. Is it bright and sunny or more dim? Cooler colors like blues and greens work well in bright rooms, while warm shades like reds, oranges and yellows are great for darker spaces.
- Take into account the room’s size. Bold, saturated colors can feel overwhelming in a small space, while paler hues open it up. For larger rooms, deeper shades prevent the space from feeling washed out.
- Look at nearby fabrics and furnishings. Complementary or contrasting colors in furniture, rugs and artwork make for balanced, pulled-together interiors.
- Think about the room’s purpose. Energizing shades are ideal for kitchens and offices, while calmer hues promote relaxation in bedrooms and living rooms.
- View color samples on the wall. Colors look different on small swatches than they do on an entire wall. Test out a few shades before making a final decision.
When working with cream walls, you’ll want to avoid colors too similar to the base color, like beiges, tans and pale yellows. This will make the room feel flat and washed out. Instead, look for hues with more contrast.
Best colors for cream walls
Here are some of the top colors to use with cream walls:
Blues
From navy to sky blue, all shades of blue complement creamy walls beautifully. The colors contrast without clashing, adding vivid pops of color.
- Navy blue – A dramatic navy instantly energizes a cream room. Pair it with warm metals and wood tones.
- Royal blue – Slightly softer than navy, royal blue has a regal, elegant vibe. Accent with golds or brass.
- Periwinkle – This soft lavender-blue evokes serenity. Use it in bedrooms alongside white trim.
- Baby blue – For a light, airy look, baby blue is ideal. White wainscoting helps keep things fresh.
Greens
From minty to forest green, earthy greens pair beautifully with cream. They bring life and vibrancy to a muted palette.
- Sage green – A light, refreshing sage green reads as a neutral but adds subtle visual interest.
- Hunter green – For drama, go bold with a deep hunter green. Brass accents and warm wood tones balance it out.
- Emerald green – Jewel-toned emerald green pumps up cream walls’ elegance. Use with gilded accessories or black trim.
- Mint green – Minty cool green feels energizing but peaceful. Pair with white for a clean cottage look.
Grays
From light to charcoal, gray is an easy go-to for cream walls. It’s sophisticated without being stark.
- Light gray – Barely-there light gray reads as a neutral but layers well with cream walls.
- Dove gray – With a hint of warmth, dove gray nicely bridges creamy and cool tones.
- Charcoal gray – Deeper charcoal gray dramatically grounds a light cream interior.
Browns
Earthy browns complement cream walls, from deep chocolate to light sand tones.
- Tan – For beachy style, use a light tan with white trim and accessories.
- Mocha – Rich mocha brown warmly contrasts creamy walls. Use with oranges and metallics.
- Chocolate brown – A classic, cocoa brown feels elegant and inviting with cream.
Purples
From lavender to eggplant purple, a splash of purple energizes cream interiors.
- Lilac – Soft and dreamy, lilac creates a peaceful oasis with cream walls.
- Eggplant – Deeper eggplant purple packs a punch. Balance with light woods and metals.
- Grape – For a jewel-toned look, rich grape makes a bold, regal pairing.
Yellows
Crisp yellows instantly energize creamy backdrops. Opt for vibrant hues over pale shades.
- Mustard – Spicy mustard yellow energizes small cream rooms.
- Sunflower – Cheery sunflower yellow brightens up any space.
- Gold – Warm metallic gold shimmers against cream. Use with black accents.
Tips for using color with cream walls
A few application tips will help you use color successfully with cream walls:
- Paint 2+ walls your accent color. This prevents the room from feeling disjointed.
- Tie colors together with upholstery and artwork in accent shades.
- Use multiple colors for a bold, eclectic look. Opt for complementary hues.
- Paint the ceiling a dynamic color. This instantly draws the eye up.
- Choose deeper, bolder hues for larger spaces. Smaller rooms feel vibrant with softer colors.
Most popular colors for cream walls
Based on interior design trends, here are 5 of the most popular colors used with cream walls:
| Color | Shade | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Navy | Royal, dark midnight | Dramatic, cozy |
| Green | Sage, mossy, emerald | Earthy, soothing |
| Gray | Charcoal, dove, silver | Sleek, sophisticated |
| Purple | Lilac, plum, eggplant | Elegant, romantic |
| Blue | Periwinkle, baby blue | Serene, cheerful |
Paint finishes for color on cream walls
The right paint finish impacts how color looks on cream walls. Here are some top options:
- Matte – A flat matte finish allows colors to stand out crisply on cream. It also minimizes imperfections.
- Eggshell – Slightly more sheen than matte, eggshell is easy to clean and hides flaws.
- Satin – With a smooth, pearl-like sheen, satin enhances colors but still conceals flaws.
- Semi-gloss – Semi-gloss offers vibrant color saturation and is highly washable.
For most living spaces, matte and eggshell finishes work best for color on cream walls. Glossier sheens like satin or semi-gloss suit kitchens, bathrooms and kid zones that need regular washing.
Creative ways to use color on cream walls
Looking to get creative with your cream and color scheme? Here are some fun techniques to try:
- Paint the inside of wall recesses a bold contrasting color.
- Stencil patterns like leaves, branches or geometrics in an accent shade.
- Use a darker color on the bottom half of walls paired with a lighter shade up top.
- Paint room borders or thick stripes in a contrasting tone.
- Apply colorblocking to walls or accent walls for an artistic look.
- Use a vibrant shade on window frames and moldings to add pops of color.
Conclusion
The right accent color can transform a cream interior, adding life, vibrancy and visual interest. When selecting a shade, consider the room’s lighting, furnishings, size and purpose. Popular pairings like navy, green, gray and purple complement cream walls beautifully. Remember to tie everything together with paint finishes, multiple colored walls and accessories. Get creative with colorblocking, stenciling or ombre effects too. With the ideal color combination, your cream walls will feel fresh, inviting and complete.
